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Like their real-world counterparts, TV detectives are also constantly fighting the good fight, even at the risk of their lives. Crime drama fans have seen all kinds of detectives over the years, from the intelligent and aloof to the wise-cracking and shrewd. Show creators also put effort into developing distinct backstories and introducing quirky personality traits to ensure no two TV detectives are the same.
While there are plenty of good TV detectives, some in particular have been more successful in amassing a global fanbase. This is because, in addition to impressive crime-solving abilities, fans tend to enjoy TV detectives with character. Instead of having it all together, characters with flaws and eccentricities are more relatable.
The skilled TV detectives on this list are well-loved by fans around the world because they are intriguing both on and off duty.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources. It contains some spoilers.
Sherlock Holmes, Veronica Mars, and eight other TV detectives who never fail to impress
1) Hercule Poirot: Agatha Christie's Poirot
Having written 66 detective novels in her lifetime, Agatha Christie knew a thing or two about crafting a compelling character. Hercule Poirot, who appeared in 33 of those novels, is one such example. The classy Belgian detective has been played by multiple actors throughout the years but most fans tend to associate David Suchet with the iconic character.
Poirot is clever and observant and employs a variety of tricks to make people open up to him, which helps him uncover important clues. That being said, he isn't without his shortcomings. He often comes off as vain and his meticulous nature can be tiresome for those around him. Even though he isn't as perfect as he would like to be, it cannot be argued that he is one of the smartest TV detectives of all time.
Where to watch: Agatha Christie's Poirot is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
2) Sherlock Holmes: Sherlock
Like Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle also found success with his detective novels. Doyle's character, Sherlock Holmes, is as popular as Poirot, if not more. Residing in 221B Baker Street, Holmes refers to himself as a "consulting detective" and takes on private clients along with aiding the Scotland Yard when needed.
Multiple actors have portrayed the character over the years, with Benedict Cumberbatch as the latest person to portray the detective in Sherlock (2010). Ardent fans also fondly remember Jeremy Brett's portrayal in the Granada Television adaptations of Doyle's works.
When it comes to deduction, this TV detective never misses a beat. However, he can be rather tiresome to work with, as he is cold and has little regard for social norms. He is also quick to bend to rules when he sees fit.
Despite his flaws, of which there are many, Holmes can tackle the strangest of cases with relative ease. It takes a formidable adversary like James Moriarty to give him a real challenge.
Where to watch: Sherlock can be viewed on Prime Video, Netflix and Hulu.
3) Jessica Fletcher: Murder, She Wrote
Unlike most TV detectives on this list, Angela Lansbury's Jessica Fletcher isn't a detective by profession. In Murder, She Wrote, Jessica's character is a mystery novel writer. By some stroke of fate, she always ends up in situations where someone ends up dead. She then has to put herself in the shoes of the characters she creates to find the culprit.
Jessica has an approachable personality that fans find endearing. Her attention to detail consistently helps her uncover clues that the police seem to miss. The fact that she cannot drive adds to her character, but she still manages to get potential suspects to drive her somewhere, giving her the time she needs to ask pertinent questions.
It would be hard to argue that this TV detective is well-loved, seeing as it ran for 12 full seasons and 264 episodes.
Where to watch: Murder, She Wrote can be streamed on Peacock, Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
4) Franklin Columbo: Columbo
There are plenty of suave TV detectives who make an impression the moment they enter a room, Franklin Columbo, portrayed by Peter Falk, isn't one of them. However, don't mistake that for a sign of incompetence. In Columbo, Lieutenant Columbo is a homicide detective whose trademark fashion statement is a rumpled beige raincoat.
Although he might not see it at first sight, Columbo is a sharp detective who relentlessly follows up on all potential leads till he finds the culprit. In Columbo's case, his unassuming persona prompts the perpetrators to let their guard down. This TV detective is also sure to make viewers laugh when he wears his suspects down by talking in a roundabout manner, which makes them lose their patience.
Where to watch: Episodes of Columbo are available on Prime Video and Peacock.
5) Adrian Monk: Monk
Out of all the TV detectives on this list, Adrian Monk will most likely hold the record for most phobias, which surprisingly crosses the 300 mark. In the show, Monk, a former homicide detective, gets suspended from the force when his OCD and phobias worsen after the death of his wife. He aids the police in their investigations as a consultant while he undergoes therapy.
Tony Shalhoub's animated portrayal is one of the factors that led to this character's popularity. Monk's constant worrying can make the audience feel frustrated at times, but it is this obsessive nature that helps him find clues that others overlook. Despite his many insecurities and vulnerabilities, this TV detective is very good at his job and can go toe-to-toe with any other detective on this list.
Where to watch: Monk is available for streaming on Netflix and Prime Video.
6) Patrick Jane: The Mentalist
As far as TV detectives go, The Mentalist's Patrick Jane ranks high on the list when it comes to adopting unorthodox measures to find the culprit. Simon Baker's Patrick uses his acute observational skills to pose as a fake psychic medium.
When he joins the California Bureau of Investigation as a consultant, his colleagues are less than enthused to work with him. However, when he can provide keen insight into the cases, they start to recognize his capabilities. Patrick is charming and jovial on the surface but he hides a dark past that unravels as the show progresses.
Patrick isn't a stickler for rules, much like Sherlock Holmes, but he is a capable TV detective who gets the job done.
Where to watch: Episodes of The Mentalist are available on Hulu and Prime Video.
7) John Luther: Luther
Like Patrick Jane, DCI John Luther, portrayed by Idris Elba, doesn't always do things by the book. Luther is a legend in the force but working tough cases for years has had an impact on his psyche. Time and again, Luther resorts to violent methods, considered illegal, to extract the information he needs to solve a case.
Crime drama fans who find morally grey characters intriguing will find themselves drawn to Luther. He isn't necessarily a bad person and wants to do the right thing, which is to get justice for the victims, but the way this TV detective goes about it isn't always within the law.
Of all the TV detectives on this list, Luther has a more intimidating vibe about him but even when he gives in to his anger fits, he still refuses to fatally injure or kill suspects.
Where to watch: Luther can be streamed on Prime Video.
8) Veronica Mars: Veronica Mars
Fans of the genre who have fond memories of Nancy Drew will easily connect to Veronica Mars, portrayed by Kristen Bell. Veronica starts out as a fun-loving teenager whose life takes a drastic turn when her best friend is murdered.
From helping her father when he opens a private investigation agency to getting her own official license, Veronica grows both as a person and as a detective throughout the show. Her quick wit and resourcefulness grow on the viewer, who can't help but root for the strong-willed protagonist.
Also, the fact that Veronica has to overcome several personal hurdles to find her path in life makes the character relatable and memorable.
Where to watch: Veronica Mars can be viewed on Prime Video and Hulu.
9) Jake Peralta: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Jake Peralta is undoubtedly the most childish TV detective on this list but that doesn't mean that he doesn't know what he's doing. In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Jake is a capable detective who always has a one-liner on the tip of his tongue, no matter how gruesome the situation. The character is played by former Saturday Night Live cast member, Andy Samberg.
When he is not making jokes or pranking his colleagues, Jake can and has solved several complex cases, which proves that he has a good head on his shoulders. Although he dreams of being as intimidating as John McClane from Die Hard, Jake's playful nature makes it hard to exude the same energy. Nevertheless, this hard-working TV detective is still a favorite among fans of the show.
Where to watch: Brooklyn Nine-Nine is available for streaming on Peacock, Netflix and Prime Video.
10) Kate Beckett: Castle
Kate Beckett is a tough detective who appears in Castle. Unlike some of the other TV detectives on this list, Beckett, portrayed by Stana Katic in the show, is particular about keeping things professional. Her no-nonsense attitude constantly clashes with the happy-go-lucky personality of Nathan Fillion's Richard Castle, who is a best-selling author shadowing her on cases to get inspiration.
Both her peers and superiors respect Beckett, but what makes her interesting is her warm and humble side, hidden underneath the tough-as-steel exterior. As the show progresses, her developing connection with Castle helps her come into her own and embrace her vulnerabilities and insecurities.
Even though her partnership with Castle works well, it cannot be denied that Beckett is experienced enough to put two and two together even when he is not around.
Where to watch: Castle can be streamed on Disney+ and Hulu.
These TV detectives will always be remembered for their unwavering pursuit of the truth, even in the face of dangerous obstacles.
